The games will begin on the first night of the festival, Friday, Sept. 13, when a demonstration of each event will take place. The competition itself will begin on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. and continue throughout the afternoon.

Some experts say versions of the Highland Games have been within the Celtic community before the dawn of Christianity. The gatherings were said to be “war games” designed to choose the best warriors in each family “clan."

Over the years, the games developed into more organized competition and the first official games in Scotland were held in the 11th century.

The Highland Games

• Friday, September 13

- 7 p.m. Demonstration

• Saturday, September 14

- 10 a.m. Athlete arrival

- 11:30 a.m. Open stone shot put

- 12:15 p.m. Light weight for distance toss

- 1 p.m. 16-pound hammer toss

- 2:30 p.m. Caber toss

- 3:30 p.m. Sheaf toss

- 4:30 p.m. 56-pound and 42-pound weights over bar

The first version of the games to be held in the United States was in New York in the mid-1800s.

The Highland Games highlight the 14th annual Michigan Irish Music Festival at Heritage Landing in Muskegon. The festival will include live music on three stages, featuring popular acts such as Slide and Damien Dempsey.

Traditional Irish food and two tasting tents also will be available, including a new team room.

Cultural song and dance, including the FEIS Irish dance competition on Saturday night, also are popular at the festival.

The Irish Market, the Irish Store, children's activities and the cultural center also return this year.